CRAIG Harrison and Steve O’Shaughnessy are relishing their first Flintshire derby since taking charge of Airbus UK Broughton and Gap Connah’s Quay. The managers played in plenty of big games during their careers but both cannot wait for their teams to lock horns tonight when Harrison’s Wingmakers welcome O’Shaughnessy’s Nomads to the Airfield (7.30pm). Former Middlesbrough, Preston and Crystal Palace defender Harrison said: “We’re really looking forward to it. I’ve seen Connah’s Quay play a few times this season and I’m sure Steve will have done the same. I was interested in some of the players he’s signed and he was interested in some of the players I’ve signed, so we know a lot about each other. “I’ve played derbies for Middlesbrough against Sunderland and in South London derbies for Crystal Palace and it’s all about the result.” Ex-Leeds, Rochdale and Darlington midfielder O’Shaughnessy said: “It’s a big match and we’re going there to get the three points. “There’s a lot of local pride at stake as the two teams are so close and there’s good media interest in the game, but all we’ve got to worry about is getting the win.” The neighbours go into the clash on the back of league losses, albeit in differing circumstances. Two late goals condemned eighth- placed Nomads to a 2-0 defeat at leaders Rhyl on Friday night, but had it not been for an inspired performance by Lilywhites goalkeeper Lee Kendall they would have recorded a famous victory. O’Shaughnessy said: “Most teams go there and shut-up shop, but we’re a decent team with good players so we had a go. The result really flattered them.” Two days later 12th-placed Airbus went down meekly at unbeaten Aberystwyth 1-0. Harrison said: “Aber were the stronger team in the first half but we defended reasonably well and having got to half-time, I thought we’d rode the storm and we would kick on. But they scored 10 minutes after the restart and although we dominated after that, we never really gave their keeper a save to make.” With half an eye on tonight, Harrison used Tuesday’s Loosemores Challenge Cup Group Five 5-2 reverse at Technogroup Welshpool Town as a chance to give game-time to the players in his squad in need of match fitness. Paul Hallows, in his first appearance since the end of August, was on target in the dead rubber, as was his strike partner Tom Rowlands. Gareth Caughter and Ashley Williams also returned from injury lay-offs but may not be risked tonight even though fellow midfielder Wes Kilgannon is a doubt through illness. Nomads, who can’t qualify for the quarter-finals of the Loosemores Challenge Cup after results elsewhere went against them on Tuesday night, will be without wingers Mike Cronshaw and Craig Davies while full-back Peter Doran is carrying a hamstring strain. | 
Flintshire Sport 
